For many people, practicing more self care is one of their main priorities for 2019. Self care is essential for a happy, positive life – having ‘me time’ reduces stress and anxiety and increase levels of happiness and self love. However, even though everyone would like to practice more self care this year, they often find it hard to find time for it in their busy lives. So, in this post, I’ll be giving you 25 items that you can pop in a ‘self care box’ and whip out when you have 5 minutes spare, or an hour on lazy Sundays.

You can make a self care box out of any material you like – it could be a shoebox (which you could decorate in wrapping paper and glitter, should you fancy), a picnic hamper style box, or any empty container you have around your house. When you open the box, you should be filled with happiness, calm, and positivity, so the more aesthetically pleasing to you, the better.

  1. Snacks of your choice – whether it be chocolate, biscuits, tortilla chips or dried fruit, comforting snacks are essential!

2. Colouring book – Colouring is a great way of performing meditation and can help bring you back to the present moment.

3. Journal/Notebook – Write down things that you’re feeling, what you’re grateful for and things you’re excited about to lift your mood. Target have some beautiful notebooks like this one.

4. Favourite book – Try to choose a book that is light hearted and comforting – perhaps it is an old book you love, or your current read.

5. Favourite movie – Again, the more fun and light hearted the better – anything to boost your mood and distract you for a while.

6. Face mask – A favourite for ‘me time’ – taking care of your skin is a great form of self care, and gives you time to relax. I love this one by Charlotte Tilbury for calming my skin.

7. Jade roller – Give yourself a five minute face massage and your skin (and your stress levels) will thank you for it!

8. Crystals – Pick out your favourite crystals and spend time meditating with them or just holding them to make you feel grounded.

9. Pictures – Pop in some favourite photos of family and friends, good memories that will instantly put you in a great mood.

10. Teabags – In times of crisis, turn to tea. Pick out your favourite tea, or try some new soothing blends and relax! Yogi Tea is great for relaxation.

11. Essential oils – Aromatherapy is great for calming down and lifting your spirits – choose relaxing blends such as lavender and chamomile.

12. Stress ball – This will help you express any emotions you’ve been suppressing and make you feel less weighed down.

13. Candles – Pick out some calming and soothing candles to light in times of stress and anxiety – enjoy the smell and warm light. This lavender one from World Market is beautiful.

14. Affirmation cards – Choose an uplifting deck of positive affirmation cards to reclaim your power and get reassurance.

15. Fuzzy socks – Indulge by sinking your feet into warm, cosy socks to make you feel all hygge! (Read my post on Hygge to learn more!) These are SUPER cute.

16. Puzzle book – Puzzles such as sudoku and crosswords will take your mind off any stresses you may have and boost your brain!

17. Nail polish – Pampering your nails is a great way to be mindful and present as it forces you to concentrate on just one task.

18. Eye mask – Take a nap, or pop the mask in the fridge beforehand for a refreshing and cooling experience. This weighted one is GREAT.

19. Lavender – fresh lavender sprigs or ready made lavender bags will immediately calm and comfort you.

20. Lip balm – When we’re stressed, and particularly in winter, our lips are often neglected. Take time to heal them.

I hope this post gave you some great 2019 self care box inspiration! Let me know what you do to take care of yourself.

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